Expertise + Leadership
I have more than 18 years of experience in corporate communications: 10 years on the agency side (consulting with clients primarily in the B2B tech and consumer space), followed by eight years (and counting) in-house. The past eight plus years have been focused on shaping, growing, and leading global corporate communications functions for large companies (2,000 - 13,000+ employees), both public and private.
I thrive on creating order out of chaos, unleashing a team's full potential, and up-leveling communications strategy to scale for the enterprise. My sweet spot is working closely with the executive leadership team to mature communications strategy for brands entering their next growth phase, be it IPO, M&A, a new strategic direction or product/service launches.
My leadership philosophy is to remove barriers to success for my teams, enable connections to the resources needed to thrive, and coach through stretch and growth opportunities.
Areas of Expertise:
-Executive communications
-Crisis and change management communications
-Message strategy and brand communications
-Public and media relations
-Internal and employee communications
-M&A communication strategy
-IPO communication strategy
-Investor communications
-Analyst relations
-Writing and editing
Leader, Corporate Communications at Allegion
Lead a team of eight to develop and execute corporate communications activities including: internal communications, executive communications, crisis communications and incident response, corporate marketing, content strategy and digital communications.
Senior Director of Global Corporate Communications at Appirio
Led a team of seven to oversee public relations, analyst relations, investor relations, customer marketing, channel communications, and internal communications, in addition to managing agencies of record in North America, Europe, and Japan. Led the communications strategy for the company's $500 million acquisition.
Senior Director of Communications at Hirons Advertising + Public Relations
Developed integrated public relations, brand, and marketing communications strategy for global clients, specializing in crisis communications and spokesperson training for tourism, government, and B2C clients.
Managing Director and Public Relations Supervisor at BCH Advertising + Public Relations
Managed Indianapolis office operations of the agency, including new business, staff development, and P+L. Led strategic and tactical day-to-day management of accounts and account teams, including media relations, crisis communications and social media/digital communications strategy, with a focus on consumer, restaurant/food/beverage, and retail clients.
Director of Strategic Services at TrendyMinds
Was hired as the startup agency's third employee when no public relations department or accounts existed; later built and directed the strategic services department, which encompassed public and media relations, social media, marketing, event planning, copywriting and corporate communications.
Public Relations Account Executive at Janine Gordon + Associates
Specialized in luxury lifestyle accounts, including beauty/fragrance, restaurant/hospitality, real estate, and tourism. Major emphasis on product launches, FAM tours, and high profile media relations.
Public Relations Coordinator at three-sixty group
Executed public relations campaigns for B2C brands, with an emphasis on local and regional arts and culture clients.
Public Relations Assistant at Sease Gerig + Associates
Executed public relations and public affairs campaigns for clients' legislative and government affairs activities.
Staff Writer at The Sagamore
Relationship columnist and arts + entertainment reporter
Volunteer
My personal motto is "radical generosity and disruptive hospitality," and I like to think I walk the walk.
My long-term volunteer commitments include roles with the Heritage Trail Correctional Facility, Meals on Wheels, the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, Trusted Mentors, and School on Wheels.
I'm also a licensed solo foster parent, solo adoptive mother, certified Safe Families host family, and advocate for adoption and foster care.
Education
Indiana University: Journalism + Public Relations
Public Relations Society of America: Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)